Tensions Boil Over in Taos

Part 2: The rising tension between locals and the new American government boils over into violence in the tranquil town of Taos.

Last week we explored General Stephen W. Kearney’s peaceful march into Santa Fe, New Mexico. He and his Army of the West had prepared for a bloody conflict, but were surprised to see the local Mexican forces had retreated. But the American forces would soon see their fair share of bloodshed. And it erupted in the tranquil town of Taos a few months after Kearney’s march on Santa Fe. 

Part 2 - Tensions Boil Over in Taos

After securing Santa Fe, General Kearney left for California. He was determined to secure and stabilize the west for America. In his departure, he appointed Charles Bent as New Mexico’s first territorial governor. Local tensions were on the rise as they wondered whether the land titles the previous Mexican government had issued would be recognized by the new governing Americans. 

Bent, who had long-standing relationships with the local Mexican and Native American communities through his trading enterprise, initially appeared a fitting choice. However, the rapid transition of power, compounded by the cultural and political impositions from the new American governance, ignited deep-seated resentments among the local population.

Planning An Attack

In the early morning hours of January 19, 1847, the tensions boiled over in Taos. Many Mexican and Pueblo residents had had enough. Galvanized by Pablo Montoya and Tomas “Tomasito” Romero, they had come together and formed a plan to attack. 

Montoya had a history of stoking revolts against outsiders who attempted to govern locals. In 1837 he had helped lead a revolt against the Mexican government. Taos was dear to him. He had been a local politician throughout his life, and at some point had served as the mayor of Taos. 

Tomasito, as he was called, was a Pueblo from the local Taos Pueblo. The Taos Pueblo were a member of eight northern Pueblo tribes and their home was just a mile outside of Taos proper. Tomasito carried the title “alcalde” which indicated he had both administrative and judicial oversight. He was not afraid of violence as political action.

Together, Montoya and Tomasito prepared their forces. As they did, they laid out the plan and the targets they were after. Their primary target was to be Governor Bent. After all, he was the symbol of new American authority. 

Hunting American Leaders

In the pre-dawn hours of January 19, the insurgents descended upon Taos. Governor Bent, his family, and several associates were at his home when the attack began. They quickly realized what was happening and did their best to barricade themselves inside. It was no use. Their defenses were overwhelmed. 

Governor Bent attempted to negotiate. At one point he offered to leave Taos if his family's safety was ensured. The insurgents were past the point of reconciliation. After breaking into Bent's home, they shot him with arrows. Tomasito then scalped Bent with his bowstring as he died on the floor. The brutal killing all played out in front of Bent’s family. 

In the same house was Kit Carson’s wife. She, along with others, successfully dug a hole in the wall of their home and escaped. However, the insurgent violence had just begun. Montoya and Tomasito began targeting other symbols of American power. Stephen Lee, the county sheriff, Cornilio Vigil, the probate judge, and J.W. Leal, the circuit attorney were all hunted down and killed. 

They then marched north of Taos to a small mill and distillery in Arroyo Hondo and killed several American settlers. From there they went to Mora where they killed several more. The attack would become known as the Taos Revolt. It would be a remarkable turning point in America’s westward expansion and how they would deal with locals moving forward.

Next week, we’ll cover the immediate aftermath of the Taos Revolt, including the American response to what was being called an insurrection.

History for the Hurried:

May 15, 1972: George Wallace was shot while campaigning for the presidency in Laurel, Maryland. As a result, Wallace was permanently paralyzed from the waist down.

May 17, 1875: The first Kentucky Derby horse race took place at Churchill Downs in Louisville.